Pathway to Early Learning and Childcare (NQ) @ SCQF Level 5

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Childcare

Introduction

If working with children is a career you have a real desire to pursue, this is an ideal introductory programme to develop the knowledge, skills and qualities that you will need to launch your journey into an exciting career pathway.

Successful completion of the programme provides a pathway for you to:

  • Progress to a first level professional qualification such as the NC in Early Education and Childcare at SCQF level 6
  • Or pursue the PDA in Educational Support Assistant @SCQF level 6
  • Or seek employment as a Modern Apprentice in the sector. 

 

Course code

JS5EC

Location:

Stranraer

Duration

This is a full-time programme.  You will attend college for a minimum of 2 days per week, with a mix of both on campus and online classes. This can be subject to change.  There may be an opportunity to attend a work experience placement in addition to this time on your college course.

Entry Requirements

This course will be suitable for you if you are:  

  • A progressing college academy student who has successfully attained the Skills for Work Early Education and Childcare qualification at SCQF level 5 and have attained a national 4 qualification in maths or numeracy, and English or communication.
  • A school leaver who wishes to pursue a career in early learning and childcare and has attained national 4 qualifications in maths or numeracy, and English or communication in addition to a further 2 National 5 qualifications at level C or above.
  • An adult returning to education who wishes to enhance your career prospects in the early years sector.n adult who has gained Peers Early Education Partnership (PEEP) learners – 4 credits @ level 4.

  • You will need to demonstrate a real interest and motivation to work with children and families in an early years’ setting. 

      • You need to include your interest, motivation and work experience in a well written statement on your application.
      • You need to be 16 years or above by the end of September 2022

    Applications are encouraged from mature students who do not possess formal qualifications but have appropriate understanding and skills to meet the academic demands of the course.

    A satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check is also required to enable participation in placement.


  • You will have an interview with college staff to determine your suitability for the programme.

Information and Interview Session Requirements

Your attendance at an interview is an essential part of our selection process. You need to confirm you will attend once you are offered an appointment.

Your interview may be virtual either through TEAMS or by phone, or you may be invited to come into college, but remember to tell us all about yourself in your personal statement as this is a key part of being selected to attend an interview!


During the information and interview session, we will ensure your application meets the entry requirements and your aspirations and career plan are appropriate for the course and the level of course you have applied for. It is therefore important that you prepare well for this.  Please come prepared to either write about or discuss the following:

 ‘I wish to pursue a career in in early learning and childcare because...’

Course Content

You will study a range of topics which include both theoretical and practical subjects.  The theory will be centred on for example, the developing child, the needs of children, children’s rights and protection and of course the theory of play.  You will also have practical units such as play in practice, first aid, and practical skills and qualities needed to work within a childcare setting.  Your classes will include a mixture of online classes, face to face on college campus, and there will be an element of directed self-study.

Assessments

All topics delivered on this course are assessed.  A range of assessment strategies are used throughout the course, as an example you may be asked to produce a report, or you may build up a portfolio of evidence of your work, or you may be observed carrying out a practical task, among others.

Progression

Successful completion of the programme provides a pathway for you to

  • Progress to a first level professional qualification such as the NC in Early Education and Childcare at SCQF level 6
  • Or pursue the PDA in Educational Support Assistant @SCQF level 6
  • Or seek employment as a Modern Apprentice in the sector. 

Career Prospects

A pass on this course may provide the opportunity to progress on to the following:

  • the NC Early Education and Childcare
  • the PDA in Educational Support Assistant
  • or Vocational Studies in Childcare/Care

Further information on careers within the early learning and childcare sector can be found here

Additional funding information

You may be eligible for Bursary or EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) funding for this course. Please contact a member of the funding team for details.

Selling Points

Work placement experience available in a childcare setting depending on covid restrictions

First steps entry programme to early learning and childcare.

Variety of career prospects within the sector

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